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Patr. Bartholomew Welcomed to Imbros for 65th Anniversary of Ordination
The Ecumenical Patriarch returned to his native Imbros with two fellow primates to mark 65 years since his ordination to the clergy.
IMBROS, TURKEY — Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received a warm welcome from the clergy and faithful of Imbros after arriving on the island Tuesday evening, Aug. 11, accompanied by Patr. Theodore II of Alexandria and Abp. John of Tirana and All Albania.
The three primates traveled to the Ecumenical Patriarch’s birthplace ahead of a Divine Liturgy scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13. The service will mark the 65th anniversary of Patr. Bartholomew’s entrance into the ranks of the clergy following his 1961 graduation from the Theological School of Halki.
Metr. Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos led the local clergy and faithful in welcoming the hierarchs at the island’s port. They were also received by Archimandrite Bartholomew, abbot of Esphigmenou Monastery on Mount Athos. The delegation included Metr. Emmanuel, Elder of Chalcedon; Metr. Meliton of Philadelphia, who is from Imbros; and members of the Patriarchal Court.
After arriving, the three primates visited the Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos and prayed there. The anniversary observances will also include Metr. Chrysostomos of Myron and Archon Exarch Athanasios Martinos. On Aug. 15, Patr. Bartholomew and Abp. John are scheduled to celebrate a joint Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Agridia.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Bulgarian Church invited the Ecumenical Patriarch for St. John of Rila anniversary celebrations.
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